Homeopathic medicine

Phosphorus: applies to these issues, indifference, apathy towards loved ones.
Cimicifuga: applies to these issues, depressed for both emotional and hormonal reasons, a dark cloud has descended.
Pulsatilla: applies to women who are emotional, tearful, and sensitive when hormonal changes occur as in the postpartum period.
If a women feels like she can be violent, or self harm immediately assistance from a medical practitioner is required.

Vitamin D

I am not a huge fan of vitamin D supplementation, but if needed please give this a try. I think everyone needs 20 minutes of exposure to the sun a day, with no sunblock. This can be a few minutes at a time, but we need real sunlight, no pill can replace the benefits of the sun.

Sunlight

Is nature’s remedy for depression. If we have limited access to the sun we can get seasonal disorders and become depressed. Try to get 20 minutes of sun a day. Use a hammock and rest in the warm sun, or a chaise lounge and allow yourself this one on one time with the sun. Try taking a 20 minutes walk, so you then get some movement and sun and fresh air.

Niacin

Eating a diet rich in niacin has been shown to alleviate depression. A supplement can be used, but I believe food is the best source of all vitamins, but do what works best for you.

Aromatherapy

Essential oils can play a great roll in altering and improving mood. We know lavender can calm and relax and individual, and this can be helpful for an anxious and stressed mother. If a gentle uplifting is required Bergamot, Grapefruit, Lemon and Sweet Orange. Lemon and Sweet Orange are stronger upflifters and work great in a room spray. If you want to feeler cleaner and unmuddled a room spray with Sweet Orange and Spearmint will do the job. It is also excellent to use mints and citrus oils together. They compliment each other and work to uplift Sprig of rosemary, herbs and bottle of aromatic oil for aromatherapyand energize. Neroli is great for calming nervousness and anxiety. Chamomile can assist with depression that is a moody and irritable variety.

St. John’s Wort oil topically- This wonderful infused oil can assist in soothing sore muscles and nerve ending. I tell clients it is like wearing sunshine and most agree. The smell and action of the oil is uplifting.

Rest

Getting adequate rest is essential for mental and physical health. Make sure as the partner of a postpartum mother that your make sure she needs the assistance she requires. Every mother is different, and each birth experience leads to an individual postpartum experience. Take care of her, and Moms take care of yourself. Do not feel that you have to have the same recovery times as your friends or family members. Give mom a foot massage or a backrub to alleviate stress and stimulate lymph fluid. Make sure spouses and partners that you do not expect something from this massage. When I make this suggest mother’s often roll their eyes, in this instance it is for her and not foreplay unless she decides to. Excuse me for being so direct, but I am just wired that way.

Advice to Family

Family members be kind. New mothers are going through so much, make sure your actions do not make her feel less than or insecure. When visiting the new addition to the family, do a load of laundry, wash dishes, fold clothes, clean the bathroom, make a meal. Do not make the mother feel like she needs to serve you. This is not about you and your needs, it is about honoring and serving the mother. If you are great to a mom postpartum she will appreciate and remember that forever.

If you can’t do this for the mother, then talk about hiring her a postpartum doula. This is a skilled and trained professional who can assist mothers after birth. It will probably be one of the best investments you make for your family.

Give mom time to take a bath, read for an hour only stopping to feed baby, time to take a walk, nap and make sure you are supportive. This is just possibly a month or so in a woman’s life that the people around her can care for her and make sure it is not about them. Mother’s will give back for their rest of their lives, this is something you can do for her, that can shape her new parenting experiences. Do not ask the mother to travel, let her nest and recover. Be amazing and supportive!